MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Rabah Slimani of France looks on as he scores their third try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool D match between France and Canada at Stadium mk on October 1, 2015 in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Slimani, Fall come into France lineup to face Fiji

Prop Rabah Slimani and full-back Benjamin Fall have been named in France’s starting lineup to face Fiji in Paris this weekend, the French Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.

Slimani takes Cedate Gomes Sa’s place at tight-head and Fall comes in for the injured Maxime Medard at full-back for Saturday’s Test match at the Stade de France.

Coach Jacques Brunel explained at a press conference that Slimani, who will win his 50th cap for his country against the Pacific Islanders, deserves a starting berth based on his performances as a substitute in the two previous November Tests against South Africa and Argentina.

“He’s done well when he’s come on. He’s been solid at scrum-time and more active in open play as we had asked him to do,” Brunel said.

“It (his) selection is to encourage him to make sure he keeps going in the same direction,” he added.

Clermont front-rower Slimani’s last international start came against England in March.

Medard suffered concussion in last Saturday’s victory over the Pumas, which was Les Bleus’ first win in more than eight months.

There are four new faces on the replacements bench including uncapped 20-year-old prop Demba Bamba and rookie hooker Julien Marchand.